Disney World to Sell Wine and Beer, Customers Surprised at Alcohol Move

Disney World is to sell wine and beer for the first time in its history, sparking controversy over whether the family park should be selling alcoholic beverages.

According to reports beer and wine will become available at the soon opening Be Our Guest restaurant in the New Fantasyland. The Be Our Guest restaurant is named after the much-loved song from the popular Disney classic Beauty and the Beast, and will be French-themed. It has angered some who wonder why Disney would want to allow alcoholic drinks into such a clearly family-focused area.

The announcement has been made by Disney on its Disney Parks blog. Stuart McGuire, Beverage Director of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has said, "As part of the overall theming, we wanted to offer wine that enhances the guest experience and complements the French-inspired cuisine. The wines focus primarily on France's famous wine-growing regions, including Champagne, Alsace, Loire, Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux."

He added, "We'll also offer the leading French beer, Kronenbourg 1664. And, staying in the general region, we'll also offer Belgian beers."

The restaurant will feature three separate dining rooms, which will be able to accommodate 500 guests. The restaurant is scheduled to open on Nov. 19, which is the same day the New Fantasyland opens for previews. Disney has said that it is already taking advance reservations for the new restaurant. The New Fantasyland will then officially open on Dec. 6 if things go according to plans.

Some have taken to social media sites to express their surprise at the move to sell alcoholic beverages at Disney World.

"I'm not sure I agree with Disney going alcoholic. Bad decision in my mind," BobbyCarver23 has posted.